Sal Goes Rio With A Bit Of Vision

[Salam]

I mix it up every time, don't I?

 

[minnnt]

Yep.

They're really coming on now Salam.

I did tell you that you would struggle with algae in the 180 due to the massive lighting. Running co2 will control it. If you strike the right balance with lights, ferts and co2 then you will have zero algae.

 

[Salam]

I will wait first. The BN plecs are growing well too, so maybe with the reduced light they will catch up soon. If not I will consider it at a later point.

 

[Salam]

Actually, quick question while I'm thinking about it.

I'm on holiday for five days end of August. Should I get timed light on of things (don't know what they are called, but hope you know what I mean) or just leave the tanks in total blackout for the five days? I'm not going to feed the fish, they will be alright I'm sure, but worried about the plants. Or will the five day blackout give them a good recovery time from the algae?

 

[minnnt]

Use a timer anyway. It means that the light comes on at the same time every day. It gives stability to the tank and doesn't matter if you're out one day and can't turn the lights on.

BN's will eat more algae when younger as they're growing quickly. When they become adult they're no where near as good.

 

[Salam]

Ok, will do. We got two lying around, so will get them sorted. At the moment lights are only on from 4pm to 10pm, so the time we will be mostly enjoying the tanks when sitting in the living room and watching TV.

Well, then the BN are growing because of all the algae

I just had another thought. Gosh, I'm thinking a lot today

I looked back at the Oomigoomi pictures from last week. Since then I added my otos into the tank and ALL algae on the rocks has been munched away. There is nothing left, they have been so efficient. Can't believe how green they looked last week, they are grey again.

Should I also add a group of four to the 180 tank? I'm off to Maidenhead Aquatics in a bit, could let some slip into the bag

 

[minnnt]

Put the ones you have in the 180 and buy some liquid carbon with the money.

Are you dosing ferts in the 180?

 

[Salam]

I wanted to dose Easycarbo, got an unopened bottle sitting here, but it would harm my snails and shrimps so I can't really. Hence I was thinking the more natural method of adding otos would work. Or at least worth a try.

 

[minnnt]

Why would it harm them? I'm pretty sure it is shrimp/snail safe.

 

[Salam]

Something I read on the net. But if you clever people here tell me it's ok, I'll start dosing it. I just don't want to harm my ramshorn snails and blue apple snails.

 

[minnnt]

I dosed with Flourish Excel with Cherry Shrimp and Apple Snails with no adverse effects. Can't see EasyCarbo being any different really?!
































Could be wrong though.

Here you go...

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/373292-excel-and-tpn-snail-safe/page__p__3121806__hl__excel__fromsearch__1#entry3121806

 

[Salam]

I'll blame you if they die

Ok, now if I started dosing it, how would it work while I'm away for five days? Do I need to find a dosing-sitter?

 

[minnnt]

I would start dosing it. I think you'll want about 3.5ml a day in your 180.

Don't worry about dosing whilst you're away, just cut your lighting down to 3 or 4 hours on the timer. You will need some fertiliser if you don't already have some too.

 

[Salam]

Ok, thanks minnnt. Your help is much appreciated as usual

Will get it started now and let's hope in another four weeks it will all look pretty again.

 

[minnnt]

You're welcome.

Don't spend too much money at MA.